Why are My Pipes Making Loud, Rattling Noises?

It’s common for pipes to let out a thump, or clunk every once in a while, but if your pipes shake, rattle, and roll all night long, you’ve got a problem on your hands (or shall we say, in your walls). Fortunately, noisy pipes are often a quick fix. But unfortunately, it can be hard for homeowners to diagnose exactly what’s causing their rattling pipes.

A Loose Pipe

Years of traveling water throughout your home can easily knock a pipe or two out of place, causing them to hit against your wall when you run the water. To determine if this is the problem, all you have to do is look at a few exposed pipes while running water. If you see them shaking a lot, you’ve identified the problem!

Fixing the problem: Fixing physically rattling pipes is often as easy as securing the pipe to its wood framing with the help of pipe clips.

Water Pressure Problems

Just like a loose pipe will cause it to shake and bang against other pipes or your wall, high water pressure can also cause pipes to rattle. The main difference though is that loose pipes will shake much more vigorously than pipes carry highly pressurized water. Another way to determine if water pressure is causing your problem is to test your water pressure. Most plumbers suggest keeping it between 40 and 60 pounds per square inch (PSI).

“Water Hammer”

Many homes experience what’s referred to as a “water hammer.” A water hammer is caused by fast-closing valves and can be thought of as a door slamming shut. When a toilet or faucet valve closes quickly it can sound like a hammer hitting your pipes.

Fixing the problem: Because adding a water hammer arrestor to your valves (which stops them from slamming closed) often requires you to cut and solder pipes, it’s best to leave this job for the professionals!